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PA long-term research project by the National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) Department of Entomology confirmed that a new pest is spreading all over Taiwan and could pose a new threat to human health. The minuscule midge (Forciporniya taiwana), an insect that feeds on blood, has already invaded the whole country except Pingtung and Taitung counties.
A 1994 study showed that the pest was not present in Taipei, Miaoli, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Keelung, and Taitung, said associate professor Tu Wu-chun. In 2006, however, Taitung and Pingtung are the only counties that are left midge-free, and the midge populations had increased sharply, Tu said. Furthermore, the bugs, which used to be found only at lower altitudes, have also invaded mountainous regions. The midges have also changed their bio-clocks: previously the midges are only active from March to August, but in recent years the midges have been found active in some areas all year.
Temperature is vital in controlling the bugs. Tu's research team found out that temperature could limit the activity of these pests. When temperatures dipped below 15 degrees Celsius, the research team found no midges in Dakeng and Taichung counties. Once the temperature rose to 22 degrees, the team caught more than 800 midges. Female midges do not lay eggs when temperatures are above 35 degrees, the team noted.
These midges are considered as pests because of its effects on the society. In a paper by Tu and his colleagues Hsieh Poh-yueh, Tang Li-cheng and Shih Chang-liang, the effects were enumerated. In general, midges could affect students' education, lower the quality of life, and have a negative impact on tourism. Solving this issue, therefore, should be high priority for schools, communities, and the Taiwanese government. (Source:http://www.taipeitimes.com/, accessed on 17 July 2008)
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